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Orange Bowl Matchup: Miami Vs. Wisconsin

December 3, 2017 at 3:28 pm

Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts to a touchdown by Kendric Pryor #3 during the third quarter of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Miami: WR Braxton Berrios has 52 catches for 644 yards and nine touchdowns, handles punt returns and was the ACC’s top football scholar-athlete this season.

Wisconsin: RB Jonathan Taylor ranks No. 3 nationally at 142 rushing yards per game, and has broken off at least one run for 41 yards or more in eight of his 12 games this season.

NOTABLE

Miami: The Hurricanes are looking to win a bowl game in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2003 and 2004. They’re 7-0 at Hard Rock Stadium this season and will be classified as the “home” team, though this matchup will officially be a neutral-site game. The Hurricanes will be staying in a hotel about 30 miles from their campus during bowl week, because of contractual obligations with the game.

Wisconsin: The Badgers have the nation’s No. 1 defense in yards allowed (253.2 per game) and are No. 2 in scoring defense (13.2 per game). They’re also great on third downs (49 percent, No. 3 nationally) and that’s a big reason why they hold the ball for nearly 36 minutes per game. Wisconsin lost the Big Ten title game for the third time in four years; after the first two, the Badgers recovered to win a bowl game.

LAST TIME

Wisconsin 20, Miami 14 (Champs Sports Bowl, Dec. 29, 2009).

BOWL HISTORY

Miami: 10th appearance in the Orange Bowl, 39th bowl appearance in school history.

Wisconsin: 1st appearance in the Orange Bowl, 29th bowl appearance in school history.

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